In late 2022 – early 2023 we ran a survey to capture the views of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans on how we are tracking achieving LGBTIQ+ equality and what are the priorities for future action. 427 people filled the survey. We’d like to thank all the respondents for their time and sharing their views.
We are pleased to share the report of what we’ve heard through this process. Download the full report here.
Summary of findings
Demographic snapshot:
- The majority of the sample are women (49%), followed by men (33%), and non-binary (15%);
- 28% of respondents are trans or gender diverse;
- 2% of respondents are people born with variations in sex characteristics, that matches the national statistical representation;
- The most common sexualities identified include gay, lesbian and queer, followed by bisexual, and then smaller populations including pansexual and asexual.
- 3% are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander;
- 22% of the sample are people of color with 6% living on a temporary or a permanent visa and additional 10% having migration experience in the past;
- 32% of all respondents disclosed living with disability; and
- 2% disclosed current experiences of homelessness.
Key finding:
- The report found that intersectional factors such as disability and migration pathways contribute to the multifaceted experiences of Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ community. While this diversity empowers resilience, it unfortunately also exposes them to additional discrimination, encompassing experiences of racism, ableism, sexism, and various other forms of prejudice. These discriminatory encounters erect barriers to participation, inclusion, and service accessibility, eroding their sense of belonging and hindering progress.
- Progress in the ACT since 2019: Respondents reported they felt a sense of increased equality, were pleased with recent legal protections, and had noticed increased LGBTIQ+ representation, since 2019.
- Safety in the ACT: Respondents felt most unsafe in community and public settings and when accessing services. They felt safest in their home. People born with variations in sex characteristics, transgender people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more likely to report they felt unsafe in various settings.
- Accessing information: about half of respondents do not know where to access information about their rights and protections as LGBTIQ+ people.
- Participation in society: Over one-third of respondents felt like they could not participate in things they enjoyed because they were LGBTIQ+, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people most likely to face barriers to participation and accessing services.
- Changes to services: Respondents most frequently reported they require improved healthcare, mental health supports, and trans and gender diverse care.
- Other forms of discrimination: Half of respondents had faced other forms of discrimination in a range of forms and settings. This was most common amongst people of colour, people born with variations in sex characteristics and people living with disability.
- Access to services: While the majority of people reported they have access to the services they need (69%). This was less likely for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (41%) and people of colour (53%). Respondents would like to see improved access to a range of services; trans and gender diverse inclusive activities, training for healthcare professionals, targeted services, and community initiatives and spaces, broader community education, more visibility and representation, and protections and outreach in schools.
- Legislative changes: A third of respondents felt that changes need to be made to better protect LGBTIQ+ people under law, while 80 percent said changes could be made to better serve their needs. Key areas were trans and gender diverse protection, school education and protections from religious discrimination, family, relationship, and reproductive support and training and inclusivity in healthcare and other services.
Download the full report
Capital of Equality Community Consultation Survey Analysis ReportPDF 2.0 MB
Capital of Equality Community Consultation Survey Analysis ReportDOC 1.0 MB